We are a newly incorporated association established for the
simple intention of constructing patient accommodation on the redeveloped Dubbo
Base Hospital site. Dubbo Base Hospital (DBH) serves the residents of, visitors
to and travellers through the Macquarie Valley, particularly those parts north
and west of Dubbo. The north and west drawing area for DBH, excluding the Dubbo
LGA, has a population of approximately 40,000. (The map above indicates the geographic area the project will support plus more)

For some years there has been concern that women from these
areas, unable to deliver their babies in their local areas, required low cost,
convenient accommodation close to DBH in the days leading up to their
confinement. Many do not have the convenience of family and friends in Dubbo
and are reliant on accommodation that significantly challenges them
financially. NSW Health is only funded
to provide inpatient accommodation. As a result of our research (based on
discussions with clinical personnel as well as data provided by NSW Health/DBH)
into specifics of the actual need for this kind of facility, the concept has
now been broadened to include not only expectant mothers awaiting confinement
but also:

-People coming to Dubbo in preparation for surgery and other
treatments,

-Patients who no longer require acute-bed care but need a
day or two to establish their post treatment routines with specialist support
in Dubbo before going back to their local hospital or home, and

This
project aims to help make health care more accessible for all, and through
that, to improve the health outcomes of the people of the area. It is
anticipated that use of this facility will be integral to the planning for
health care access for a significant number of residents within the local health district into
the future.

Currently the health statistics for the area
are notoriously poor in comparison to those of more closely populated areas of
the state.

Firstly, it can be daunting for anyone to
have to seek health care, but the practicalities this project aims to overcome
have for many meant it was all too hard, leading to putting off what should
have been managed immediately, often with dire consequences.

Secondly, the cost of health care for those beyond
the LGA is increased by the common need for associated accommodation as well as
the time and travel involved. Distance=Time=Cost.

This project is planned to be self-sustaining over
time once it has been set up. It aims to significantly and positively impact
health care access for all citizens using DBH from areas beyond the Dubbo LGA
through facilitating access and reducing cost.

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Comments

The birthing women of Bourke could certainly do with somewhere to stay while waiting for labour to start.missjanemc - 12:58pm, 19-06-2013

This Idea has great merit as many struggle to afford accommodation in our town.
Dodg - 1:29pm, 18-06-2013

This has been a major problem for the outback people traveling so far for medical health. Some opt to risk their own health due to being unable to afford the cost of alternate accomodation.
As a manager of a medical center in the out back region I know its a great idea and well over due. Ihope you get alot of support. kuehn64 - 9:42pm, 05-06-2013

This is a great idea Rod. I think the wider Orana communities should really get behind as they are the ones who will truly benefit from this initiative. It's got my vote!dazaaah - 1:25pm, 31-05-2013